How do I take a private number off my car?
You apply to DVLA. gov.uk calls this taking a private number off a vehicle: you keep the right to use the number on a V778 retention document, or put it straight on another vehicle.
- Online: gov.uk says the number is removed immediately if your vehicle doesn’t need an inspection.
- By post: with form V317 and the car’s log book. gov.uk says that if the vehicle isn’t in your name, you have to apply by post.
Either way, gov.uk says you must have the vehicle’s log book (V5C). DVLA charges a fee, and gov.uk has the current amount.
Can my car have its number taken off?
gov.uk lists the conditions. The vehicle must:
- be registered with DVLA in the UK
- be able to move under its own power
- be of a type that needs an MOT or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) test certificate
- be available for inspection: DVLA contacts you if it needs to inspect the vehicle
- have been taxed or had a SORN in place continuously for the past 5 years
- be taxed now or have a SORN in place; if it has had a SORN for more than 5 years, it must be taxed and have an MOT certificate
gov.uk has the full rules, including for historic vehicles.
What happens next?
gov.uk says:
- your car’s original registration number will usually be reassigned to it automatically, if your application is successful
- you get a V778 retention document, which proves you still have the right to assign the private number for the next 10 years
- you get a new log book showing the car’s replacement registration number, which can take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive
Before you drive the car again, gov.uk says to put the original or new number plates on it and tell your insurance company the new registration number. It also says to update any automatic payment accounts, such as for the London Congestion Charge or the Dart Charge.
gov.uk warns against sharing a scan or photo of your V778 online, because someone else could use it to put the number on another vehicle.
When should I do it?
Before you sell. gov.uk says you must have your V778 and the new log book before you sell the vehicle, or you lose the right to use the private number. It also says that if you want to keep the number, you must take it off before you tell DVLA you’ve sold the car.
You can get your price at any time: tell us about the plate in the “Anything else we should know?” box. Your price is guaranteed for 7 days if the vehicle is as you described it, so if your new log book is still on its way, tell us and we’ll agree the timing with you.
What registration will the car have when we buy it?
The one on its new log book, which is usually the car’s original registration number. Tell us the new number when you have it, so we have the right registration for the car.
General information only, not advice about your own situation. gov.uk has DVLA’s full rules for private numbers.